We went to Costco today. Gabi was riding in the cart, and Rachel was walking. After a while Gabi wanted to get out and walk too. I said she could, but she had to stay close to me. It was going fine until I stopped to pick up something, and Rachel took off running. Gabi, who likes to do everything Rachel does, followed her. I called to them to stop, but they ignored me. I took off after them, but they were in the next aisle. When I got to the next aisle I saw Gabi at the other end, but Rachel was not in sight. So I went to the next aisle, and there she was, and Gabi was there by then too.
I caught up with them, and told them that as a consequence for not listening to me they both had to ride in the cart. Rachel especially was not too happy about that, but after a little while she accepted that it was just going to be that way. After a minute or two, Rachel turned to Gabi and said “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.”
I admit I didn’t realize that Rachel recognizes that Gabi follows her in just about everything. I was surprised that Rachel took all the responsibility. I thought it was sweet.
At bed time tonight, Gabi had something of a melt down. It started when Jeff took off her shoes, but I’m pretty sure it was because she was very tired. After a while she settled down, and was laying face-down on Rachel’s bed listening as I read bed-time stories. Rachel started talking to her gently, trying to help her feel better. She is really very sweet.
But not perfect. Here is her bedroom wall after quiet/nap time.
I think Gabi may still be upset at me. She refused to come to me at all the next morning.
I must have really upset her with the shoe thing.
She is being really sweet to her sistier, but not so sweet to the walls. Yikes! Whenever I see stuff like that I think "ugh, one more thing for me to do".
I have cleaned up WAY TOO many walls like that. A fresh coat of paint is the fastest way to remedy the situation.
Can Rachel come give my girls lessons on accepting fault . .